Mike McCarthy: Jordy Nelson Can Play Another Two or Three Years in This League
-- It took less than 48 hours for former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson to find his new home in Oakland. His next endeavor is just meshing with Raiders quarterback Derek Carr the way he did with Aaron Rodgers.
Fresh off of a two-year, $15 million dollar deal, Nelson will have more than enough time to work on doing so. And if you ask Packers coach Mike McCarthy, the sands of time aren't running low for the 32-year-old receiver.
"I think Jordy [Nelson] can play another two or three years in this league," McCarthy said Thursday in an appearance on the Wilde and Tausch radio show. "That's just my personal opinion."
Nelson played 10 seasons in Green Bay, amassing the fifth-most receiving yards in team history, the second-most touchdowns and the third-most catches. He's reaped his own fair share of success with Rodgers at the helm, and the two have the chemistry they've formed over the years to thank for that.
Rodgers and Nelson connected for 64 touchdowns, the most between a quarterback-receiver tandem in team history. However, had it not been for that mental link on the field, Nelson's career numbers may not have been as striking.
When Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone injury last season and Brett Hundley took over at quarterback in week 6, Nelson didn't catch a single touchdown reception for the rest of the season after leading the league through the first five games.
The Raiders, meanwhile, may not attribute Nelson's descendence in performance in 2017 to his age or the fact that he's lost a step. That's why they inked the deal -- the Packers obviously felt otherwise.
They tried restructuring Nelson's contract before releasing him earlier this month, but his new salary would leave him hovering in the ballpark of the 10-year veteran minimum salary of $1.1 million. That's after Nelson was scheduled to make over $12 million in 2018.
"I think the hurt part, to be honest, was the unwillingness to try to make it work," Nelson said on ESPN Milwaukee on Monday. "Then again, it's a business and they have to do what they think is best and what they need to do to be able to move forward and prepare for the future of the Packers."
The Packers saved a substantial amount of cap room by cutting Nelson and were able to sign tight end Jimmy Graham and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson. So while eliminating one of Rodgers' more illustrious targets doesn't seem ideal, equipping him with the 6-7 Graham and gifting the defense with a formidable pass rusher seems like a fine consolation prize.
Nelson, meanwhile, is expected to start opposite Raiders No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper. If Nelson sticks around until 2019 -- he'll be 34 -- then he'll return to Lambeau Field to run out of the visitor's tunnel in silver and black.
"But, we've moved on. We're looking forward to Oakland, we're looking forward to California and experiencing that for a couple years."
__________________________
Zachary Jacobson is a staff writer/reporter for Cheesehead TV. He's the voice of The Leap on iTunes and can be heard on The Scoop KLGR 1490 AM every Saturday morning. He's also a contributor on the Pack-A-Day Podcast. He can be found on Twitter via @ZachAJacobson or contacted through email at [email protected].
Comments (58)
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 10:17 am
Further proof that we are in the offseason. Fortunately the baseball season has begun. Time for Yankee Baseball!!! Thanks, Since '61
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:34 am
It’s a really good thing that they have a salary cap in football or the league would turn into a Yankee Doodle Dandy mess... just sayin’ ‘61...
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:37 am
And, for the record, the down thumb didn’t come from me... there are down thumb trolls everywhere!!!
Thegreatreynoldo
March 30, 2018 at 10:57 am
Positive references to the Yankees always deserve a down-vote. They're the epitome of everything that is wrong with professional sports. But someone beat me to giving the down-vote, and one will suffice.
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 04:31 pm
TGR - why do the Yankees epitomize everything that is wrong with professional sports? I agree that there is plenty wrong with professional sports, as well as collegiate and olympic sports as well. But why are the Yankees any worse then any other team or organization? Again, I would agree that the Yanks have had their issues over the years but I'm curious as to why you would differentiate them from any other team.
BTW, I pay no attention to down votes. I much prefer a response like you provided than an anonymous downvote which does nothing to contribute to the conversation or allow for either party to potentially learn from each other, which is what this blog should be about, dialogue and an open friendly exchange of thoughts and opinions. Thanks, Since '61
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 06:15 pm
At least the Yankees are trying to win. One problem with MLB is that only seven teams are actually trying to win.
Most of things that people believe are wrong with professional sports are actually non-issues. Almost all of the perceived wrongs are the result of a decades PR push by the owners. Take again the MLB example. How many times have you seen the uniformed opinion that ticket prices are directly related to player salaries?
In reality, ticket, concession, parking, etc. prices are based on market conditions. Ticket prices are "high" because people will pay those prices. Player salaries have almost no effect on those prices.
Also, the concept that "bad" contracts prevent teams from spending on other players is a complete fantasy. Every MLB team is swimming in money, including the Marlins. Every MLB team will receive approximately $70 million this year from the BAMTech sale alone. In summary, the owners scapegoat the players while pocketing massive profits.
In the NFL, the issue is that fans buy into the thought that the players are simply pieces of meat. Again, how many times have you seen players referred as "busts", or not being worth their salary? This is favoring the billionaire owners over the players. Fans are indoctrinated into not caring about the players.
Racism also plays a role in NFL fan's perception of the players. How many times have you seen people comment that the players are uneducated, poorly spoken, couldn't work in a McDonald's, etc.? These comments are almost exclusively directed toward African-American players. People have jumped all over Lamar Jackson's Wonderlic score without having any concept of what the test is and why it is administered.
Most of the perceived wrongs in professional sports will disappear when we get smarter fans.
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 08:53 pm
WKU - Good post! I agree with you completely, especially the point about too many fans. As I have posted many times there are many fans who don't know what they are watching. Thanks, Since '61
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 04:05 pm
Worztik - I don't sweat the downvotes. I'm sure in this case some of it is because I mentioned the Yankees. But I grew up in NY and for a while lived close enough to the original Yankee Stadium to walk there and watch Mickey Mantle play. 50 cents to sit in the bleachers back then and sit behind Mickey in center field. Great memories for me of good times spent with my older brother and Yankee baseball. I've been a Yankees fans even longer than I have been a Packers fan. Probably more down votes coming for that.
I would prefer if the people who give the downvotes would just reply what they don't like about my post(s) and others they downvote so that we could actually converse, contribute to the dialogue and hopefully learn something from each rather than hide behind the dislike. That is what the blog is here for isn't it? As long as it doesn't get personal (since none of us know each other) why not post what they disagree with? I welcome all comments. Take it easy Worztik, until our next post. Thanks, Since '61
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 04:47 pm
'61 - Downvoting someone because of his/her stated favorite baseball team is simply ridiculous. The amount of time people spend here worrying about downvotes is even more ridiculous.
However, there are certain posters for who it is better just to downvote instead of engaging with them. Just look at Worztik's 4:09pm vulgar response to fastmoving below as an example. Who wants to waste their time trying to engage with someone who will go straight to name calling?
With further regard to just downvoting without replying, I have done so with respect to some of your comments over the past few weeks. That is because you specifically stated in a comment that Kirk "had a good point". I know that you follow all comments, so I'm sure that you are aware of my position regarding Mr. Kirk. My reason for not telling you this before now is private. Now that the point has been made known, I can return to either agreeing with your always thoughtful comments, or stating any reasons for disagreeing.
Respectfully, WKU
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 09:07 pm
WKU - I appreciate your comments concerning the downvotes and I respect your position vis - a -vis John Kirk. I am sure that you understand that my comments either agreeing or contending any of Kirk's points are not meant to take a position against you or anyone else. Like myself and anyone else here he makes his points and sometimes I concur and I sometimes I don't and sometimes I have nothing to add that has not already been said.
For my own part I don't do much with the likes and dislikes unless I don't have the time to respond adequately either way. I prefer to add a comment and try to contribute to the conversation. Likes/dislikes by themselves don't really do anything for the blog.
In any case the most important factor is that we share our opinions without getting too personal. As for you and I, we go back to the ALLGBP days so as far as I'm concerned we're good and I continue to look forward to your consistently excellent posts. Thanks, Since '61
WKUPackFan
March 31, 2018 at 07:01 am
Thanks for this kind response and the one above. Yes, we go back a long way and we're all good.
John Ramble Kirk
March 31, 2018 at 07:21 pm
WKU: With further regard to just downvoting without replying, I have done so with respect to some of your comments over the past few weeks. That is because you specifically stated in a comment that Kirk "had a good point". I know that you follow all comments, so I'm sure that you are aware of my position regarding Mr. Kirk. My reason for not telling you this before now is private. Now that the point has been made known, I can return to either agreeing with your always thoughtful comments, or stating any reasons for disagreeing.
ME: Good to know. Let this be a warning to any poster who thinks I made a good point and posts about it. You will be followed around and downvoted for doing it regardless of whether your current post says anything about me, or not. For the sake of saving downvotes, if you ever do agree with me, keep it to yourself. On the other hand, if you're looking for upvotes, just post something bad about me.
BTW, what is your position regarding Mr. Kirk?
dellis0540
March 30, 2018 at 07:48 pm
ya had to mention the Yankees
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 09:08 pm
Proud to be a Packers fan and proud to be a Yankee fan, what else can I say. Thanks, Since '61
Thegreatreynoldo
April 01, 2018 at 07:59 am
Dear Since '61,
In point of fact, I didn't give you a thumbs down. It was a joke, though a pointed one. I wouldn't down vote you for supporting your home team, which is a perfectly natural thing to do. WKU hit the nail on the head:
"One problem with MLB is that only seven teams are actually trying to win."
Or rather, only roughly seven teams have the financial resources to put World Series caliber teams on the field year after year. I don't watch college football or other minor league teams. As far as I'm concerned, as a whole the Brewers are a minor league team. It isn't impossible for Milwaukee to contend from time to time, just unlikely, and then on a sporadic basis. Brewer payroll/league average/top payroll
2018: 90M/137M/235M
2017: 83M/152m/265M
2016: 75M/145M/279M
2015: 101M/136M/306M
2014: 113M/136M/236M
2013: 88M/114M/243M
2012: 116M/107M/230M
2011: 94M/104M/216M
These disparities are too great for my taste. I guess that makes me a bad fan in the eyes of many. What it actually made me was an ex-fan. I go to a Brewers game every few years with my brother, who loves baseball, when he can't get one of his children to go with him. Watching a game is pleasant enough, after all, but I go for the company. But I can't get too excited when the brewers are spending $100M, $150M, sometimes $200M less than another team.
As far as BAMtech goes, that is a $70M plus one-time payment to each team. Since he team gets the same amount, the structural financial issue is wholly unaddressed. Note that MLB invested in BAMtech which means that they could have lost money on the investment. Lots of firms out there with streaming services that don't make money. MLB's proved it could handle heavy duty streaming loads, that money could be charged successfully, and now Disney is going to monetize it even more by adding Disney shows and positioning Disney to compete with Netflix. Sure, MLB had a product to put on their platform that required the players' labor, something they were getting paid for already, and handsomely. Naturally, those who don't truly believe in capitalism think the players should get some of that money, even if the players took no risks.
IDK if Attanasio is making a profit on the Brewers. I assume so. Is he making $100M a year profit, enough to make the Brewers' payroll competitive. Probably not. Even so, when Attanasio sells the team, he probably amortizes the players, and other assets and makes a profit. But that is a one time deal.
Tundraboy
March 30, 2018 at 10:42 am
Yankee fan here too. Repeat of 1961 would be sweet. Coupled with a Packer SB would bring back the good old days for me.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:56 am
Yes Tundra... THOSE “were” the good ol’ days, buddy!!! Human competition without steroids (maybe alcohol and speed!), NO school shootings, NO terrorism, NO Facebook, NO antisocial media, actually talking to each other, REALLY FINE CARS that cost less than $50,000.00, NO truly divided country, NO fake news, wow... I’m beat and I didn’t even get started!!!
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 04:08 pm
Tundra that would make for a great 2018. Yanks and Packers both winning their respective titles. It's a good sign for the Packers when the Yankees win the World Series. In '61, '62 and '96 the Yankees won the WS and the Packers the NFL Championship. Missed by one in year in '09 for the Yanks and '10 for the Pack. Who knows, anything can happen. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
March 30, 2018 at 07:38 pm
That's why I wanted 97 so bad, even if the Yankees didn't hold up either. Back to back GB super bowls. Soooooo close.
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 09:11 pm
For me the SB loss in '97 is worse than the NFCCG loss to Seattle in '14. I hate the idea of reaching the big game and not finishing the job. Most frustrating Packer loss for me ever. Thanks, Since '61
Tundraboy
March 31, 2018 at 09:48 am
Same here. Guess after going to the 6th game of the 96 Series and the Carolina NFCCG, asking for back to back Super Bowl wins was too much to expect.
Spock
March 30, 2018 at 10:46 am
'61 I didn't down vote you, but I cannot stand baseball (or basketball for that matter) so my offseason doesn't have any sports watching options for me, sigh.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:59 am
Spock, Basketball sucks but, how can you NOT like baseball? Are you a communist??? LOL
Spock
March 30, 2018 at 03:21 pm
Worztik, Baseball bores me to death. Seems like hundreds of games played, each less interesting than the last. I've TRIED to watch the games (used to get free tickets from my dad, who loved the game) but the inactivity and watching the players (especially live in front of me) with a disgusting mouthful of chewing tobacco spitting on the ground in front of me I found revolting. The "seventh inning stretch" was necessary to keep me from falling asleep, lol. No, I'm not a Communist. I'm an independent voter who likes the chance to check the FACTS before making an informed decision. I've heard baseball described as "America's game" but then, again, the Dallas Cowboy's pretend to be "America's team". To give you some idea of how much I don't like baseball I once was at a company golf outing where various people won things based on the day's score vs. their handicap. I happened to play well that day and I won one of the most 'coveted' prizes: Tickets for the Brewers playoff run. (It was the one year they were "Hot" and everyone thought they'd make it to the world series. I think Paul Monitor was still playing?) I traded my "prize" to another guy for what he'd won: a smoke alarm. I could use a smoke alarm and sure wasn't going to use the tickets! The night of the game that I had the tickets for it rained and I congratulated myself on a wise decision. They played the game, but I would NEVER have gone to it. I'd make the same trade today, lol.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 06:03 pm
Spock, Baseball can be boring but, it can also be exciting. Kinda like boring excitement, as it must be for bungee jumping fools that need to jump from higher and higher platforms!!! I said fools but, I guess I should have said thrill seekers. I don’t want to offend any of the more sensitive posters here that can see As___le but, if it’s spelled out it’s vulgar!! I don’t play games or word games or any of that crap! If I’m attacked I’ll defend myself. I’m not always correct... see that in itself was a mistake to say as I’m always correct! Haha... not funny! I guess I’ll take the high road as long as I can tolerate it... just sayin’...
zeke
March 31, 2018 at 10:08 am
If you think baseball is boring, try watching cricket. Jesus. I was once in a bar in Delhi that had all of the TVs showing a test match between India and Australia and I made the mistake of asking someone to explain the rules to me. After about 10 minutes (and at about the same time the guy told me that the match lasts FIVE DAYS) I offered to buy him a pitcher of beer if he would stop explaining the rules. I would rather drink paint.
Finwiz
March 31, 2018 at 12:10 pm
"Shut up please......here's a beer"!
LOL - Love it!
worztik
March 31, 2018 at 01:49 pm
Too funny Zeke...!!!
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 09:12 pm
Spock - it's OK not to like baseball. I grew up with it in NY and was spoiled watching Mickey Mantle play. The current game has been slowed down too much with all the commercials and batters and pitchers stepping out of the box and off the mound. They should limit the stepping out, commercials between half innings gone and less visits to the mound by the catchers. But it won't happen. There is way too much money at stake now and the commercials are a cash cow for MLB. Thanks, Since '61
Spock
March 31, 2018 at 10:35 am
'61 There's a lot of NY "snowbirds" here and every single one loves baseball, lol.
egbertsouse
March 30, 2018 at 12:04 pm
It’s not just the Yankees. All the big market teams have ruined baseball. And the three point shot ruined basketball, now all they do is chuck it up and dunk. And I liked football better when they ran the ball and the scores were 6-3. And you kids stay off my lawn and don’ t ride your bikes in my driveway, dammit!
Qoojo
March 31, 2018 at 11:22 am
Lewis Black, "Rooting for the Yankees is like rooting for Fascism"
Finwiz
March 31, 2018 at 11:48 am
Yeah, screw the Yankees.
All that's wrong with pro-sports in a league that has no salary cap and teams can buy all the players they want, year after year.
Totally un-level playing field.
worztik
March 31, 2018 at 01:56 pm
I love Lewis Black’s humor!!! Subtle but, biting and he tells it like I believe it is!!! I’d pay good money to see him and actually, I do, through the premium channels that I prescribe to... if ya haven’t seen a show of his, please do yourself a favor and watch one... if you can understand good humor and sarcasm!!!
Bearmeat
March 30, 2018 at 10:37 am
Seeing Jordy in a different uniform is going to be weird.... And slightly sad.
And MM talking about how Jordy still "has it" isn't going to endear management with fans.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:39 am
Very true, Bear!!!
Coldworld
March 30, 2018 at 12:12 pm
I think McCarthy said very similar things of Donald Driver at his retirement. What else would he say? That no Jordy is all washed up? Assuming he believes it to be true as opposed to just being respectful, MM is always inclined to favor his players, as do most coaches.
Roll on the draft when there might be something to talk about other than the end of the Jeff Janis era.
flackcatcher
March 31, 2018 at 07:41 pm
JANIS!!!!! (SOB.............0:)
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 10:39 am
Lotta extra inning games yesterday... including a great Brewers’ win... gonna be a really fun season!!!
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 04:35 pm
There you go Worztik!!! Embrace the baseball season, Go Brewers and Go to whichever teams our bloggers cheer for. Go Yanks and Go baseball.
We'll regroup when TC rolls around and then it's Go Pack Go for all of us. Thanks, Since '61
Samson
March 31, 2018 at 12:36 am
Maris/Mantle ----- Judge/Stanton.
How can anyone not like the Yankees!
Finwiz
March 31, 2018 at 12:21 pm
We used to LOVE going out to Yankee's games at County Stadium and boo the heck out of Reggie Jackson every time he got near the ball or home-plate.
Hated the Yankee's.
George Steinbrenner's evil empire! Darth Vader
worztik
March 31, 2018 at 02:02 pm
Fin... it sounds like you had great times and went for the right reasons... I enjoyed Billy kicking sand/dirt on everyone... kinda lost that in today’s PC atmosphere... just sayin’...
Andrew Lloyd Peth
March 30, 2018 at 11:14 am
Of course Jordy can still play. He just needs to do it on a better team with a healthier salary cap. Good for the Raiders, good for him, and good for the Packers in releasing him.
Flow49
March 30, 2018 at 01:53 pm
Is the implication here that the Raiders are a better team? Oakland hasn’t exactly been a beacon of NFL success over the last 2 decades.
Andrew Lloyd Peth
March 31, 2018 at 06:38 am
I think their arrow is pointed up, with better handling of their cap.
I wasn't a fan of that ludicrous contract for Chucky, however.
dobber
March 30, 2018 at 01:19 pm
The Jeff Janis experiment in GB is now apparently over...
https://www.profootballrumors.com/2018/03/browns-sign-jeff-janis-packers
They speculate he could get some slot work there, where some of us have indicated he might be well used. Many posters here will be happy for him to no longer be a topic of conversation.
Best of luck, Jeff!
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 04:38 pm
Dobber - the Browns can have Goodson as well. Time to chuck the dead wood and move on and improve our roster. Thanks, Since '61
worztik
March 31, 2018 at 10:10 am
Good one ‘61... I agree more than you know... ;~€)))
Lphill
March 30, 2018 at 04:10 pm
Why all the hate for the Yankees ? Their payroll is 9 th highest in MLB, so 8 teams are spending more money than them.
Since'61
March 30, 2018 at 04:41 pm
Yes LP!!! The Dodgers are first and I think the Bosox are second this season. Not only are the Yankees 9th in payroll but they have only won one World Series since 2000, so it can't be because they win every season like back in the 50's and 60's. But haters gonna hate. Thanks, Since '61
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 05:51 pm
I see that my post has disappeared into the great void by the powerful censorship of this site!!! Oh well, my opinions are always wrong and I can understand that. Just because I don’t plagiarize what’s been posted before and have 1/2 a brain, people don’t like that. Almost as much as people who attack me for my opinions are disliked by me!!! If ya don’t like what I say, tell me why and suggest an alternative or just ignore me altogether!!! I try but, I can’t please everyone, especially the Bible thumpers such as yourself... grow up and put your big boy pants on...
WKUPackFan
March 30, 2018 at 06:19 pm
Posts that begin with calling some an a*****e should be deleted.
worztik
March 30, 2018 at 07:36 pm
So should your face!!!
Finwiz
March 31, 2018 at 10:41 pm
LOL!
That guy sure brings out the worst in people.
Such an inspiration
WKUPackFan
April 01, 2018 at 01:48 am
Your worst, prejudice against LGBT's and African-Americans, has been on display for everyone to see. You put it out there voluntarily, no one had to draw it out. Even your buddy Kirk has distanced himself from your remarks against the LGBT community.
Qoojo
March 30, 2018 at 08:42 pm
I still think Jordy would have produced more in this offense than Graham. We shall see this season. Also need to evaluate if Graham pulls more coverage than Jordy would have, so it's not all about just number of catches.
flackcatcher
March 31, 2018 at 07:49 pm
I wished BG had been upfront about Nelson's release being a cap move. Brought him a lot of unnecessary grief. Something he should have learn from Ted Thompson.